Going Undercover During the Age of COVID-19

**Names are changed to preserve anonymity**

Photo by Clayton Hauck

The coronavirus dictates almost every aspect of our daily lives, as it has for the past months. Yet, when I arrive at work, it is almost as if I entered an alternate dimension. I work at a bar & grill, in which the behaviors, blatant unconcern, and spread of misinformation regarding the virus make my blood boil. Working at my hostess stand, and sometimes being the only person who is correctly wearing a mask, I hear the most outrageous statements. Outraging enough that I decided to go undercover at my own job. 

“I went around to my usual spots and didn’t wear a mask, no one gave a flying f*ck. Mask wearing didn’t increase at all after this [the mandate]” 

This statement was said by the raging libertarian bartender who has a personal vendetta against all government workers. Similar to many “Karens” that we see on social media, he refuses to wear his mask in public spaces, endangering others in the process. It is not only very concerning that he doesn’t wear a face covering, but also that he believes many others don’t care as well. This further proves the importance of spreading fact-checked information regarding the virus, specifically the importance of wearing masks. Cloth or surgical masks capture respiratory droplets which carry the virus before they can enter the air, as shown by this graphic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

“This is so past coronavirus. This is communism” 

This was said by a woman at the bar as she discussed the mask mandate and regulations being put on businesses and gatherings. While I understand why she may be frustrated about the changes placed on her life and outings, her comparison of regulations to communism is misinformed. As defined by the Britannica Dictionary,  “Communism is a political and economic system that seeks to create a classless society in which the major means of production, such as mines and factories, are owned and controlled by the public.” None of these descriptions can be seen in the United States today, even with the virus. Instead, our national and state governments have been required to expand their impact on our activity in effort to combat a global pandemic. This is a national emergency, and it is the government’s role, as granted by the constitution, to preserve the safety of its citizens in times of emergency. This can be seen in the preamble with the statements: “insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare,” as well as with the states’ enumerated powers to make laws for their residents. 

“You’re a cutie, but I can’t see you under that mask. Take it off for me?” 

This was said to me, a 17-year-old hostess, by an old man who frequents the bar. Aside from being predatory and completely inappropriate, it is also not okay at all to ask someone to take off their mask so you can see their face during this pandemic. This was also asked of me by the bartender on my second day of working when he said, “take off your mask. I want to see who I’m working with.” If you ever encounter a situation like this, it is important that you stand your ground and don’t give in to others’ pressure. To each of these requests I responded something like, “There is a global pandemic. I have to wear this mask to keep people safe,” and walked away. Although it may seem awkward, it is necessary that you keep your mask on and explain the importance of wearing one. 

“I don’t wear a mask. John doesn’t care. If I have it we all have it. Whatever. We’re all gonna get it at some point right?!” 

This quote was said by another bartender about why she doesn’t wear a mask. You may be wondering, who’s John? John is the manager of the restaurant! John’s Laissez-Faire attitude towards mask wearing sets not only a bad example for customers, but also employees, who believe that it is totally fine to ignore government mandates and safety precautions. Despite being told numerous times that it is mandatory for all employees to wear masks their whole shift, the manager and many other servers and bartenders brush this aside for their personal comfort. Similarly, there was another server who always wore his mask on his chin instead of covering his mouth and nose. When I asked him if he would please wear it correctly, he simply said, “Sorry it keeps slipping...oops,” instead of changing his behaviors. 

Also, the statement “If I have it we all have it,” shows a blatant disrespect of human life and our customers safety, because although they are in the bar, they did not come with the intention of catching COVID-19. If people with higher exposure wore masks as they are supposed to, we would not all have to get it at some point. This attitude is the reason why the United States had a recorded 54,806 new cases on July 27, whereas China had 68 despite having an exponentially larger population.  

“They need to stop. This is BULLSH*T.” 

This was said to me by an angry customer as I brought them their water. They were upset that we had to not seat certain tables, wear masks and close tabs by 10 pm due to new regulations. These new practices are not bullsh*t, they are absolutely necessary. I think the most important thing today is to realize that wearing masks and practicing social distancing are not a political statement or a violation of civil liberties, but acts of basic human decency. This is the new normal, and the faster we accept that, the faster things will go back to the way they were before. 

Here’s where you come in. If you are considering going out to eat at a restaurant, I urge you to take these precautions: 

1. Wear your mask entering the restaurant, until you get to your table, when you go to the bathroom, when you leave, and when the server comes to your table. You don’t know if the server has been exposed to the virus while at work, so it is best to play it safe. 

2. If you are placed at a table that is less than six ft away from another table, request to move. 

3. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands or using hand sanitizer before and after your meal. 

4. If your server isn’t properly wearing their mask, ask them to correct it. If they do not, leave. 

5. Ask if the cooks are wearing masks, and if they are not, leave. They are coming in direct contact with your food. 

6. Get take out if possible and eat at home or socially distanced in the park. 

7. Do not assume that all the restaurant staff are educated and have your health in mind. As this article has probably shown you, many people hold misconceptions that could be dangerous to your safety. 

8. DO NOT GO TO A BAR. Bars are not socially distant and were declared one of the most high risk spots by the CDC. It is not worth it. Discourage your parents, relatives, and family friends from going out. 

9. And finally, stay safe, be considerate, and stay optimistic. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we can reach it if we all work together.